THE MITHAI BOX IS NOT EMPTY

A girl of South Asian descent throws a chai party for her visiting grandparents.

Young Ria and her faithful dog, Cheetah, are busy preparing to welcome Baba and Dadi, who are flying in from India. Ria greets them with warm hugs, and they ply her with presents and a mithai box bursting with her favorite sweets. As Ria makes an offering of a ladoo to the god Ganesha, her grandmother teaches her the phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava. Like God, we welcome our guests with warmth and respect.” As guests arrive, Ria offers them mithai, but when it quickly empties, she wonders if she’ll be able to taste one of the goodies herself. Happily, her grandmother points out that there’s one sweet waiting just for her—the ladoo she offered to Ganesha. Agarwal and Pillai easily capture a youngster’s warring impulses; Ria’s desires to be a good host feel as relatable as her mounting dread at missing out on her favorite treat. The scene where her kindness and generosity are at last recognized serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of sharing with others. The kaleidoscopic colors and floral patterns in bright oranges, pinks, and greens create a lively and bustling backdrop. Images of Ria’s diverse friends gathering around delicious food and steamy cups of tea create a cozy, warm, and welcoming tone.

A sweet story that speaks to the joys of sharing.